Crystal River Report 2-21-23

WATER CONDITIONS: Low and clear, can get off-color after rain or heavy snow

OVERALL RATING: 6 out of 10 down low, significant ice in the higher elevations

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, Sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: It's really nice to see an above-average flow (so far) on this little gem of a river. You'll notice more accessibility on the lower river and significant ice built up on the middle and especially upper reaches.

We've been saying it for years, if you don't love the "two legged hatch," this is the river for you. Focusing on deeper pits and getting your favorite small attractor nymphs down in the zone will keep you busy on the Crystal. 

HATCHES: Midges 18-26

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: Copper John Red, 18-20, Tung Pheasant Tail 16-20, Prince Nymph 16-18, Jerome Baetis 18-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22, Neon Nightmare 20-22

DRIES: Harrop's CDC Thorax BWO 20-22, Collette's Quilled Para BWO 18-22, Griffith's Gnat 20-22, Parachute Adams 16-20, Stimulator 18, TC Sparkledun BWO 18-22

STREAMERS: Lightning Bugger Black 4, Beldar Lemon Drop 4-6, BH Simi Seal Leech 10, Sculpzilla 4-8

HINTS: Don't ignore the shallow riffles, they are often loaded with sculpins and insects.

Flows: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09081600&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

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